Mashable

Shortly after Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor of Germany in January 1933, the Nazis consolidated control over the country. Looking to cultivate power beyond the borders of Germany, Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess charged German-American immigrant Heinz Spanknobel with forming a strong Nazi organization in the United States.

Combining two small extant groups, Spanknobel formed Friends of New Germany in July 1933. Counting both German nationals and Americans of German descent among its membership, the Friends loudly advocated for the Nazi cause, storming the offices of New York’s largest German-language paper, countering Jewish boycotts of German businesses and holding swastika-strewn rallies in black-and-white uniforms.

Spanknobel was deported in October 1933 for failing to register as a foreign agent, and two years later Hess called for the leaders of Friends to return to Germany and for all German citizens to leave the organization.

May 17, 1934

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May 17, 1934

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May 18, 1934

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May 18, 1934

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Oct. 6, 1935

"German Day" celebrations commemorate the arrival of the first German settlers on U.S. territory.

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Oct. 5, 1936

Boys in uniform salute during a pro-Nazi rally.

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After the dissolution of the Friends, a successive group, officially unconnected to the German government, was formed — the German American Bund. The Bund continued the campaigns of anti-Semitism, anti-Communism and violent rhetoric, but wrapped them in patriotic, pro-American symbolism, holding up portraits of George Washington as “the first Fascist.”

The Bund reached the height of its prominence on February 20, 1939, when some 20,000 members held a “Pro-America Rally” in Madison Square Garden.

Inside, jackbooted Nazi supporters filled the aisles while speakers ranted against President “Frank D. Rosenfeld” and his “Jew Deal.”

Outside, some 80,000 anti-Nazi demonstrators furiously protested the event, clashing with police and attempting to gain entry to the arena and shut it down.

The Bund was finally dissolved at the end of 1941 with the United States’ declaration of war against Nazi Germany.

Feb. 20, 1939

Twenty-thousand attend a meeting of the German American Bund, which included banners such as "Stop Jewish Domination of Christian Americans."

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Feb. 20, 1939

The principal speakers arrive to open the German American Bund "Americanization" rally.

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Feb. 20, 1939

Fritz Kuhn, leader of the German American Bund, addresses the Nazi rally as protesters clash with police outside.

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Feb. 20, 1939

Supporters salute the banner of the German American Bund.

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Feb. 20, 1939

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Feb. 20, 1939

A Nazi color guard stands before a massive portrait of George Washington.